Senior Scores & The Final Countdown

Both the SAT and ACT released their multiple choice scores this week, and if you’re a senior, you really only have the December tests left for your regular decision applications (most applications are due January 1). If you’re taking these December tests, make sure you’re sending the scores directly to colleges, don’t wait until you get them because the turnaround is too slow.

Unfortunately, if you haven’t signed up for the ACT, the window has closed. You can still sign up for the December 1 SAT, the late registration deadline is November 20.

First, make sure you know where your scores stand. When things are really important—ya know like college admissions—we tend to catastrophize (imagine the worst possible outcome). You may have a point if you’re below the 25th percentile of admitted students, but even at the 25th percentile, you’d be above one-fourth of admitted students.

Additionally, you could have other assets that you aren’t considering. Extensive extracurricular involvement, major achievements, a great GPA with tough courses, minority status, or a compelling personal story can overcome poor test scores. Admissions to highly selective schools are holistic, and colleges genuinely consider multiple factors. In this situation, the right application becomes even more important—particularly the essays.

A lot rides on your essay, particularly if your test scores/GPA aren’t your strength. You need to show the admissions committee that you’re a unique individual, and some of the favorite topics of students just don’t do it. For example, there are 20,000 cross-country teams in the US, 20,000 student body presidents, and thousands of essays written about both. Colleges need to understand who you are as a person, what makes you unique, what makes you strong, and what makes you resilient. Here’s some more info on the common app essay or contact us for help putting you into your application.

That said, a better test score is, well, better. If you have one last shot at the test, take a hard look at what your score reports say, what your experience has been like taking the test, and see if you can figure out what’s missing. If you’re reasonably close to your desired score (say 50 points or less) practice daily but also try and target particular weaknesses. If you’re really far from your goal, say 100 points or more, make significant changes. If you’re that far away, throw caution to the wind, and take some big chances. There’s a good chance it won’t work, but it may be just what you need.

If your college(s) superscore, you may have some more options. For example, if you’re happy with any of your subject scores. If you’re happy with one of your subject scores, just focus on the other. For example, if you’ve got a high SAT math score, spend all your time on verbal.

Regardless, you need a plan. Make a specific plan with topics, study goals, time targets, and priorities. Don’t just do questions, plan. Contact us and we’ll help you come up with a plan that’s right for you.